Why you need to take a break from your business this Christmas – and explore

by Startacus Admin

Melita Latham, founder of Melita Latham London, suggests taking a break from your business is the best Christmas present you can give yourself.

With Christmas around the corner, stress levels will only continue to rise for business owners. 

As a retail entrepreneur myself, I know all too well how many of us will be scrambling to make the most of the festive season from a sales perspective – working longer hours to meet deadlines and providing exceptional service. 

Both Christmas and business management is stressful, but don’t let your mental well-being suffer this season.

Here’s why taking a break from your business is the best Christmas present you can give yourself.

Gain a fresh perspective

Sometimes, you need to take a step back to go forward. When tensions are running high, it’s easy to make small mistakes. Take a few hours off and do something that will calm you. Whatever your business – whether it’s fashion, tech, food etc. – do something that isn’t related to it. By doing so, you’ll gain a fresh perspective, and who knows, you might even think of new ideas that’ll grow your business.

Have something to look forward to

One of my top tips for fellow business owners is simple – buy yourself a trip for 2019. Reward yourself ahead of Christmas, and notice how every task is a little less demanding – because in the back of your mind you can envision that perfectly wrapped present. Even if it's just a weekend trip to the neighbouring town with a few nights in a nice hotel or BnB, it can make all the difference.

Explore your surroundings

Although travelling is the ideal option, it’s not always possible. If you can’t book a trip, do the next best thing – explore your neighbourhood. During lunch, go for a walk in a direction you’ve never gone before. Let your mind wander, too. You’d be surprised what a quick 30-minute journey can do.

Do nothing to reboot

Exploring isn’t just about doing something. Sometimes it’s about doing nothing. Like a computer, you too have an off switch – you just need to learn how to use it. Maybe it’s as simple as turning your phone to airplane mode for an hour every day and not checking your emails after a certain time. By doing this, you’re giving yourself time to explore internally.

Invest in experiences, invest in your business

Instead of buying Christmas presents, why not buy Christmas experiences? Whether for your team, family, friends or yourself, a new experience will let you meet new people, learn new skills that can be applied to your business and be inspired."

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Published on: 22nd November 2018